BCI Flags CMS-IndusLaw and Dentons Link Legal Tie-Ups as Violative of Foreign Law Firm Regulations
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a notice raising serious objections to the combinations between Indian and foreign law firms — particularly pointing out CMS IndusLaw and Dentons Link Legal — as being in breach of India’s legal framework governing such collaborations.
BCI Highlights Improper Legal Structures in Global Tie-Ups
A press release issued by the BCI states,
The Council affirms that such structures, if implemented and operationalised without prior registration under the Bar Council of India Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2023 (as amended in 2025) (hereinafter, the “Rules”), are impermissible.”
Violation of Updated 2025 Foreign Lawyers Rules
The BCI has drawn attention to the amended 2025 Rules, which clearly state that any arrangement involving an Indian-Foreign Law Firm must be registered under the prescribed regulatory framework. The Council emphasized that such combinations cannot operate merely on the basis of marketing or strategic alignment unless they comply with the legal requirement.
“Any arrangement that creates a joint platform, uses a unified brand, involves co-branding of legal services, or results in shared client servicing without registration is in contravention of the Rules.”
the press release stated.
SC Judgment Reiterated; Notices to Be Sent
The BCI reinforced its position by referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the AK Balaji case, which prohibits foreign law firms from engaging in legal practice in India, directly or indirectly, through tie-ups or alliances.
The Council further revealed that formal notices will be dispatched to the concerned firms.
“These notices direct the parties to submit comprehensive written explanations, full documentation of the arrangements, and declarations as to the structure, operations, governance, and regulatory disclosures (or the lack thereof) within a stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply may result in action under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Rules, including proceedings for professional misconduct, penalties etc.”
Firms and Stakeholders Warned of Strict Compliance
The BCI concluded the release by cautioning the legal community — both Indian and foreign — to strictly observe the updated rules.
“Accordingly, all law firms, lawyers, clients, and stakeholders are hereby advised to strictly adhere to the applicable regulatory framework. Any foreign lawyer, law firm, or Indian law firm found to be in violation shall be dealt with firmly and in accordance with law.”
Context: Exclusive Partnerships Under Question
The regulatory action follows CMS’s May 2025 announcement that IndusLaw had joined its network as a member firm, forming an exclusive collaboration to route CMS work in India through IndusLaw. As confirmed by IndusLaw co-founder Gaurav Dani,
Gaurav Dani, Co-founder of IndusLaw, stated in an interview,“This is an exclusive arrangement between CMS and IndusLaw and all CMS work will go to IndusLaw
In May 2023, Dentons and Indian law firm Link Legal announced a similar collaboration, which was later renamed as Dentons Link Legal.
If you have a news or deal publication or would like to collaborate on content, columns, or article publications, connect with the Legal Era News Network Team and email us at [email protected] or call us on +91 8879634922.